Here’s how to keep track, keep up and enjoy everything!
There’s no denying that the calendar is chock full of holidays and special celebrations. Acknowledging these are an important and fun part of early childhood education, but can sometimes add stress to working parents who already have a more than full schedule.
We’ve asked our veteran parents for some helpful tips and tricks and here is what they had to offer.
Keep a separate calendar for these events and outline what is coming up at the beginning of each month. Make a complete list of what will be needed in terms of craft supplies, gifts or other items. Remember to view not only your own monthly calendar, but also the one provided by your teacher.
Take fifteen minutes each Sunday to review the calendar and plan the week ahead. Review the items your child may need to bring with them, projects to complete or other important deadlines. Some parents have told us they still do this even though their children are grown, since the habit of organizing their week prevents missing important “to-do’s.”
Buy birthday gifts in bulk. Odds are that if your child is a certain age, their friend will like what they like. Keep an eye out at local stores to see what goes on sale. Hint…youth sleeping bags are not cost prohibitive and a favorite among young children.
Start a holiday bookshelf at home. Many favorite childhood characters offer holiday related books. When the next holiday is approaching, bring out the corresponding books. This will help to give even a young child a head start and better engage them with whatever is going on in the classroom. You will be pleasantly surprised when your child starts to remind you when related projects are due or parties are taking place in the classroom.
